Train trials on track to offer cheaper fares – but miss a trick on split-tickets

Former_MSE_Megan_F

Ticketing trials to offer train passengers simpler and cheaper fares are scheduled to be rolled out by four train companies in May. However, MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis believes the trials stop short of providing the best possible price – as the proposed changes don't include split-ticketing for passengers who stay on the same train.

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redux

I'm not sure MSE is doing a lot better yet.

I looked up a fare for this coming Saturday on National Rail, on MSE split ticket site, and another split ticket site.

£53 first thing in the morning, £108 rest of the day. No savings due to splits.

Then I messed about myself, for maybe an hour, with another route option and splits on that. And even a slower third route.

£36 early on, £39 to £55 for most of the day. And some trips are actually faster that second way.

If websites specifically devoted to saving on fares can't yet manage this either for all cases, how can they criticise the railway companies for not flagging them up? Are the rail companies obstructive, or is it just hard to analyse hundreds of possibilities?

tgroom57

Me too.

The MSE tool falls somewhat short. I’m sure it doesn’t mention when it’ll be cheaper to go by plane via Europe, or if the train 10 minutes behind yours has a cheaper ticket. Those are what I’d call advanced options.

However, I expected MSE to at least find the saving on the trip below - right up until I read your 'small print'. It seems the MSE ticket splitter only works for "walk-up" fares ie bought on the day when really, anyone looking to save money explores options online before getting to the ticket office.

I tried it with the following journey that I’m familiar with- booking 4 weeks ahead- and your tool failed to find the £6.50 saving. This is an entry-level example.
Brentwood to Newport, South Wales depart 14:06 arrive 17:32 single cost £60

Brentwood to Swindon depart 14:06 arrive 16:40 single cost £39.50
Swindon to Newport, South Wales depart 16:41 arrive 17:32 single cost £14.00

Normally though, I get a single to London and book a coach from there, getting home for less than £20. The rail companies are not going to include that option anytime soon.

For newbies looking to explore their route you could try google maps to see where your train will stop. Specify at the top you travel by train (not car). Pick stations where there will be a lot of people changing: getting on, getting off. Wherever you have seats free for part of the journey, you will have the potential for savings using separate tickets.

If I wanted to do this more often, I'd have a map -on Google Maps- and mark on there which stations to use for the split.